8.3.2.1 General terms relevant to ion-selective electrodes
Activity, Activity coefficient and Concentration
See sections 1.3.8, 1.3.10 and 3.3.
Calibration plot
This is a plot of the cell emf, E (i.e. the galvanic potential difference measured between
the ion-selective electrode and the external reference electrode of a given ion-selective
electrode cell assembly (ion-selective electrode combined with an identified external
reference electrode) vs. the logarithm of the single ionic activity (concentration) of a given
species. For uniformity, it is recommended that the cell emf is ascribed to the ordinate
(vertical axis) with the more positive potentials at the top of the graph and that paA (-log
activity of the measured species A) or pcA (-log concentration of the measured species A)
is ascribed to the abscissa (horizontal axis) with increasing activity or concentration to the
right.
Comment: The cell potential (cell emf) is composed of interfacial and bulk potential
differences established across the membrane, reference electrodes and junctions if present
(see below). When referring to the potential difference at an ISE membrane interface, or
across the ISE membrane including the bulk and two interfaces, the terms interfacial
potential difference and ISE or membrane potential difference should be used to
distinguish a portion of the cell potential difference (emf) under study.
Combination electrode
An ion-selective electrode and an external reference electrode combined in a single sensor,
thereby avoiding the need for a separate external reference electrode.
Detection limit
A calibration plot of typical shape is shown in Fig. 8.3.2.1. By analogy to definitions
adopted in other fields, a limit of detection is defined as the concentration at which, under
specified conditions, the cell potential, E, deviates from the average value in region I by a
multiple of the standard error of a single measurement of the cell potential in this region.
The multiple selected depends on a statistical significance level selected. The fundamental
difference in the nature of ISE potentiometry (their logarithmic response) as compared to
linear methods, justifies another type of definition of detection limit. For the sake of
practical convenience, a simpler (and more convenient) definition is recommended. The
practical lower limit of detection may be taken as the activity (or concentration) of
substance A at the point of intersection of the extrapolated linear mid-range and final low
concentration level segments of the calibration plot, as shown in Fig. 8.3.2.2.
For electrodes that become insensitive to high ionic activities, or the slope of the curve
changes its sign, an upper limit of determination may be taken as the activity (or
concentration) of A at the point of intersection of the extrapolated mid-range linear
segment and the limiting high activity response.
Comment: The reliability of the detection limit data, determined by the cross point
method, is illustrated in Fig. 8.3.2.2. The reliability depends on:
1.
The standard deviation of a single potential measurement in both linear regions (it
need not be the same in the Nernstian and concentration-independent regions);
2.
The number of data points taken into account to determine the parameters of the
linear sections;
3.
The concentration range used to determine the parameters of the linear sections.
Based on the reliability conditions presented above, beside the experimental conditions
(i.e., composition of the solution, the history and preconditioning of the electrode, stirring
rate, etc.) used for the determination of the detection limit, also the details of the measured
data, (e.g., number of measurements, standard deviation of a single measurement, etc.)
and of the evaluation method, should be given. However, the description of the
experimental conditions and the evaluation method offers only a possibility to reproduce
the data, but is not helpful in the comparison of data collected under different conditions.
Accordingly, the experimental conditions and the evaluation method should also be
standardized if possible. The following recommendations are suggested for the
determination of the lower detection limit:
1.
The potential data used for the determination of the detection limit should be
measured at least three times: from low to high, high to low and low to high
concentrations again.
2.
Data used to determine the linear sections of the plot should be collected from a
concentration range two orders of magnitude higher, and two orders of magnitude
lower, including the concentration of the cross point. A minimum of five data
points in both regions should be taken within this concentration range to determine
the parameters of the linear sections.
3.
The parameters of the determined linear sections should be given with their
standard deviations.
4.
Besides the most probable values of the detection limits (DLmean), the confidence
interval should be given as well (DLmin, DLmax).
5.
If the determination of data points below the detection limit is difficult, (too long
response time, too bad reproducibility, etc.) a line parallel to the abscissa should
be drawn through the mean data point obtained for solution of the lowest
concentration, instead of fitting a line through some data in the curved region of
the calibration plot. The detection limit should be determined similarly as above,
only the data DLmax should be given as detection limit as DL < numerical value ±
standard deviation.
Fig. 8.3.2.1
Calibration plot of an ion-selective electrode.
(ai denotes the single ion activity of the primary ion, i.)
Fig. 8.3.2.2
Determination of the detection limit (DL) of ion-selective electrodes.
(DLmean is the most probable value of the DL determined from the cross
point of the lines fitted to the linear segments of the emf vs. log ai curve
where ai denotes the single ion activity of the primary ion, i. DLmin. and
DLmax. are the lowest and highest concentration values determined as DL
taking into account the minimum and maximum slope values (95%
confidence values) of the lines fitted to the experimental data.)
Fig. 8.3.2.3
Definition and determination of response time tR(∆E/∆t), i.e., the time
which elapses between the instant when an ion-selective electrode and a
reference electrode (i.e., ISE cell) are brought into contact with a sample
solution (or at which the activity of the ion of interest in a solution is
changed) and the first instant at which the emf/time slope (∆E/∆t) becomes
equal to a limiting value selected on the basis of the experimental
conditions and/or requirements concerning the accuracy (e.g., 0.6
mV/min).
Drift and standard deviation
Drift is the slow non-random change with time in the emf of an ion-selective electrode cell
assembly maintained in a solution of constant composition and temperature. The
determination of the drift is carried out by a linear curve fitting on the data set collected in
a given period of time in a solution of constant composition and temperature. The slope
of the emf vs. time line is called drift. The random potential deviations around the line
define the standard deviation of the measured potential data.
Hysteresis and reproducibility
Hysteresis or electrode memory occurs when there is a potential difference between the
emf first measured in solution A of certain concentration and that of a second
measurement in the same solution after exposing the electrode to solution A of different
concentration. The systematic error of hysteresis is generally in the direction of the
concentration of the solution in which the electrode was previously immersed. Hysteresis
is thought to be a kinetic process. Reversible responses are expected if sufficient time is
allowed for the system to return to its initial conditions.
Reproducibility is the standard deviation of emf data collected in a series of emf
measurements in solutions of different concentrations, after removal and washing and/or
wiping of the electrodes. If a distinct hysteresis occurs, the reproducibility is poor.
Successive emf measurements in solution A, lead to determination of drift and
reproducibility, but not of hysteresis.
Interfering substance (interference)
This may be any substance, other than the ion being determined, whose presence in the
sample solution affects the measured emf of a cell. Interfering substances or interferences
fall into two classes: "electrode/electrochemical" interferences and "chemical"
interferences. Examples of the first class include:
(a)
Substances whose response is similar to that of the ion being determined, and
whose presence generally results in an apparent increase in the activity (or
concentration) of the ion to be determined (e.g., Na+ for the Ca2+ electrode).
(b)
Electrolytes present at a high concentration that give rise to appreciable liquid
junction potential differences or results in a significant decrease of the determined
substance activity coefficient, or incipient Donnan exclusion failure.
The second class, of "chemical" interferences, includes:
(c)
Species that interact with the ion being determined, so as to decrease its activity or
apparent concentration. Then the true activity is determined (e.g., CN- present in
solution for determination of Ag+), but a considerable gap occurs between the
activity and concentration of the ions, even in very dilute solutions. Under these
conditions the determination of ion concentration may bedifficult.
(d)
Substances interacting with the membrane itself, blocking thus the surface or
changing its chemical properties (e.g., organic solvents in case of the liquid or
poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) membrane electrodes), are grouped as interferences or
electrode poisons.
Ionic-strength or/and pH adjustment solution
These are solutions of high ionic strength which are added to sample or calibration
solutions before measurements in order to bring them to the same ionic strength. Often a
fixed pH solution or buffer controls the hydrogen ion activity as well as ionic strength.
Additionally, complexing agents and other components are often added to minimize the
effects of certain interferences.
Ion-selective electrode (ISE)
This is an electrochemical sensor, based on a thin selective membrane or film as
recognition element and is an electrochemical half-cell equivalent to other half-cells of the
zeroth (inert metal in a redox electrolyte), 1st, 2nd and 3rd kinds. This devices are
distinct for half-cells that involve electrode redox reactions (electrodes of zeroth, 1st, 2nd
and 3rd kinds), although they often contain a 2nd kind electrode as the “inner” or
“internal”reference electrode. The potential difference response (i.e., that of ISE versus
outer reference electrode potentials) as its principal component, of the Gibbs energy
change associated with permselective mass transfer of ions (e.g., by ion-exchange, solvent
extraction or some other mechanism) across a phase boundary. The ISE must be used in
conjuction with a reference electrode ( i.e., “outer” or “external” reference elctrode) to
form a complete electrochemical cell. The measured potential difference s (ISE versus
outer reference electrode potentials) are linearly dependent on the logatithm of the activity
of a given ion in solution.
Comment: The term "ion-specific electrode" is not recommended. The term "specific"
implies that the electrode does not respond to additional ions. Since no electrode is truly
specific for one ion, the term "ion-selective" is recommended as more appropriate.
"Selective ion-sensitive electrode" is rarely used term to describe an ion-selective
electrode. "Principal" or "primary" ions are those for determination of which an electrode
is designed. It is never certain that the ISE is more sensitive to the "principal" ion than to
interferences, e.g., nitrate ISEs.
Ion-selective electrode cell
An ion-selective electrode in conjunction with a reference electrode is an ISE cell.
Generally, the cell contains two reference electrodes, “internal” and “external”, and a
selective thin film or membrane as the recognition/transduction element. However,
besides this conventional type of cell with solution contact on both sides of the membrane
there are ISE cell arrangements with wire contact to one side of the membrane (all solid
state and coated wire types).
Conventional notation of the cell is:
outer ref.  test solution  membrane  internal ref.
or
outer ref.  test solution  ion-selective electrode
and the measured cell emf, E (right electrode potential minus left electrode potential) is
described with the Nicolsky-Eisemann equation:
E = constant +
2.303RT
zA/ zB
zA /zC
lg[a A + K pot
+ K pot
+ . . .]
A,C a C
A,B a B
zA F
Terms in this equation are defined in section 8.3.2.3.
Typically internal components of an ISE include solvent, pH buffer, salt of the sensed ion,
and soluble salt of anion in equilibrium with the internal reference electrode of 2nd kind.
Also high-stability internal reference electrodes based on an inert metal electrode and a
reversible redox couple are common.
Isopotential point
For an ion-selective electrode cell, there is often a particular activity of the determined ion
for which the emf of the cell is independent of temperature. That activity, and the
corresponding potential difference, defines the isopotential point. The specification of the
ISE and outer reference electrode must be described.
Comment: When an isothermal cell is used with identical “internal” and “external”
reference electrodes, the isopotential point is the activity of sensed ions for which zero net
membrane potential is measured, e.g., sensed ion activity is the same in the inner and
outer (test) solution. Slopes of calibration plots for different cell temperatures are
different, but intersect at a common activity point. Cells with temperature gradients are
not recommended.
Membrane
This general term refers to a continuous layer, usually consisting of a semi-permeable
(solid or liquid) material, with controlled permeability. The membrane separates the
internal components of the ISE from the test solution. It covers solid electric conductor,
such as carbon or an inert metal, or separates two electrolyte solutions. This latter case is
the most typical for an ISE. The membrane of an ion selective electrode is responsible for
the emf response and selectivity of the ISE.
Comment: Membranes of sensor electrodes are thought to be practically homogeneous,
but an actual membrane may contain inhomogeneous regions, often at surfaces, depending
on the materials and preparation methods used. Inhomogeneous regions may include
polymer regions with low and high local density of charged sites. Surface regions of
plasticized liquid membranes often are low in charged sites and high in plasticizer or
exuded impurities.
Membrane sites
Membranes frequently contain built-in "fixed" charged sites (e.g., “immobile” -SO3group in polystyrenesulfonate), or intentionally added, hydrophobically trapped, "mobile"
sites (e.g., tetraphenyl borate in plasticized poly(vinyl chloride)). Such membranes with
charged sites are named sited membranes. Ions of opposite sign to that of immobilised or
entrapped ions in the membrane are "counterions". Ions of the same sign as sites are
“coions”. Usually coions are present in minor quantities. Sited membranes are
"permselective" to counterions, i.e., only counterions exchange into the membrane and
therefore are mobile to certain extent in the membrane bulk.
Donnan exclusion and exclusion failure
Sited membranes contain counterions whose overall charge exceeds that of sites. The
excess of counterion charge is compensated by co-ions. In addition to the gross
electroneutrality condition, the salt partition equilibrium expression:
a+ a- = K
a+ adetermines the activity of minority co-ion species. The bar activities are ionic species of
the salt in the membrane. Nonbar terms are the activities of ionic species of the salt in the
bathing electrolyte solution. If K is large, i.e., the site concentration is large and\or
activities in the bathing solution are small then, almost the entire current is carried by
counterions. This condition favours Donnan exclusion since co-ions are nearly absent in
the membrane. However, if K is small, i.e., activities in bathing solution are large, then
and/or site concentration is small, then large concentrations of co-ions can be in the
membrane, in the ultimate zero-site limit, equivalent in charge to counterion
concentration. This condition is Donnan exclusion failure.
There are two manifestations of salt diffusion through the membrane:
1.
If the membrane is asymmetrically bathed, then salts diffuse through the
membrane from high to low concentration sides.
2.
If the membrane is symmetrically bathed, but a potential difference is applied
across the membrane which separates the inner and outer reference electrodes
(through a high impedance circuit, for example,) then current is carried by both
counterions and co-ions.
Nernstian response
Nernstian response occurs when an ion-selective electrode responds according to "local"
thermodynamic equilibrium, over a given range of activity (or concentration). For
Nernstian response a plot of the potential difference of the ISE cell (ISE with an outer
reference electrode) vs. the logarithm of the ionic activity of a given species (aA) is linear
with a slope of 2.303 RT/zAF (59.16/zA mV per unit change of paA at 298.15 K).
Nernstian response implies ideal sensitivity, but not necessarily ideal selectivity since
interfering ions may also give Nernstian response when present as the sole potential
determining species.
Potentiometric selectivity coefficient, KA,Bpot
It defines the ability of an ion-selective electrode to distinguish a particular ion, i.e.,
primary ion from others (interfering ions). The selectivity coefficient, KA,Bpot, is
determined by means of potential difference of the ion-selective electrode in mixed
solutions of the primary ion, A, and interfering ion, B (Fixed Interference Method) or less
desirable, in separate solutions of A and B (Separate Solution Method). The activities of
the primary ion, A, and the interfering ion, B, at which KA,Bpot is determined should
always be specified, as the value of KA,Bpot is defined by the modified Nikolsky-Eisenman
equation (See 8.3.2.3). The smaller the value of KA,Bpot the greater the electrode's
preference for the primary ion, A, as described below.
Comment: The terms selectivity constant and selectivity factor are sometimes used instead
of selectivity coefficient. However, in order to standardize the terminology associated with
ion-selective electrodes, the term selectivity coefficient is recommended, as is the fixed
interference method for its evaluation (see section 8.3.2.3). This selectivity coefficient is
not the same as the similar term used in separation science.
Range and span
A range of activity or concentration of cell response between the lower and upper
detection limits is determined from a plot of the cell potential difference vs. the logarithm
of primary ionic activity. The span is the corresponding potential range (in contrast to the
activity range) determined by projecting the lower (initial) and the upper (final)
concentration limits to the potential axis.
Comment: The notion of span appears in the clinical literature, e.g., the normal span for
K+ in blood is a few millivolts which corresponds to the physiological activity range of the
primary ion and interferences.
Reference electrode
An electrode which maintains a virtually constant potential with respect to the solution
under the conditions prevailing in an electrochemical measurement, and which serves for
monitoring, measurement or control of the potential of the indicator (or test) or working
electrode.
Comment: In potentiometry, under zero current condition, the virtually constant potential
difference is realized by assuring a constant composition solution in contact with the
reference element, i.e., any electrode with small standard deviation can be used as a
reference electrode (another ISE, electrodes of zero, 1st, 2nd or 3rd kind). However,
practical reference electrodes are generally nonpolarizable electrodes of the second kind,
constructed so that their electrolyte solutions serve as salt bridges to the solutions under
investigation. "Double" junction reference electrodes are recommended when the
reference electrolyte contains ions that interfere with primary ion measurement or react
with components of the test solution.
Internal (or inner) reference electrode
This is a reference electrode which is incorporated inside an ion-selective electrode
assembly.
Comment: Usually the reference electrode is a silver/silver chloride electrode in contact
with a solution containing fixed concentrations of chloride and an ion which the electrode
selective for. This solution is in contact with the ion-selective membrane.
Response time, tR; s
The time which elapses between the instant when an ion-selective electrode and a
reference electrode (ISE cell) are brought into contact with a sample solution (or at which
the activity of the ion of interest in solution is changed) and the first instant at which the
slope of the cell potential vs. time plot (∆E/∆t) becomes equal to a limiting value selected
on the basis of the experimental conditions and/or requirements concerning the accuracy
(e.g., 0.6 mV/min). This concept is illustrated in Fig.8.3.2.1.3. In clinical applications
(where the physiological activity range corresponds to a small potential span), a small
slope e.g., 0.1 mV/min may be chosen, provided that the standard deviation of the
response is smaller than the required slope.
Comment: The previously defined response times t95 (corresponding to the 95% change of
the potential span) and t* (to 1 mV from the steady value) require prior knowledge of
steady-state E values that may not be available. These descriptive quantities underestimate
practical response times of ion-selective electrodes in clinical applications where the total
span may be smaller than 10 mV. The response time expressed in terms of ∆E/∆t (i.e.,
rate of cell potential variation with time) seems to be best defined, the best choice among
the non-ideal options. It can be related to t95 and t* through mathematical models,
provided that the long-time potential determining processes are identified.
Standard addition or known addition method
This is a procedure for the concentration determination of an ion of interest in a test
solution which consists of adding of known amounts of that species to the solution and
recording the potential change of an ion-selective electrode cell. Analyte addition is a
variation of this method. It uses sequential addition of the sample of unknown
concentration to a standard solution while recording cell potential changes. A method of
data treatment (which consists of plotting of the apparent concentration, as derived from
the cell potential versus the volume of standard or reagent added to the sample) and the
procedure is known as Gran addition.
Standard subtraction or known subtraction
This is a variation of the standard addition method. In this procedure changes in the cell
potential are measured, resulting from the addition of a known amount of a species which
reacts stoichiometrically with the ion of interest (e.g., a complexing agent) in order to
determine the original activity or concentration of the ion.
"Suspension effect" or Pallmann effect
This effect occurs when ISEs are used in concentrated, space-filled suspensions while the
external reference electrode remains in the supernatant (suspension-free) solution. The
suspensions are specifically solvent-swollen ion exchangers or other materials, like soils
and clays, that concentrate ions by adsorption and absorption. Space-filled, gravitypacked suspensions act like a second phase and form apparently an interfacial potential
difference (pd) with respect to the supernatant. The measured ion activity in the
suspension differs from the value in the supernatant by the interfacial potential difference
and corresponds to a higher value approximating the activity inside the ion exchanger gel.
The effect nearly disappears when the outer reference electrode is placed in the same
region of the suspension as the sensor electrode. There are some changes in the junction
potential differences of the reference electrode, between suspension and supernatant.